Fastest-Growing Ingredients in Nonalcohol Beverages

Nonalcohol beverages have seen significant growth on Canadian menus over the past year, up 15.2%. Several of the fastest-growing ingredients in these beverages reflect trends of global, indulgent and health-forward options.

Central and South American guava and East Asian yuzu claim the top two spots of fastest-growing ingredients in nonalcohol beverages over the past year. Guava is appearing in juices and smoothies, while yuzu is showing up in teas and lemonades. This demonstrates how global flavours and ingredients can be added to more standard items to keep menus exciting.

Another global ingredient on the rise in nonalcohol beverages is boba. The chewy tapioca pearls are featured in Taiwanese-inspired bubble teas, which saw a 45.2% increase on menus over the last year.

Salted caramel is also showing growth in beverages, typically in specialty coffee drinks such as flavoured lattes and cold brews. Salted caramel is an indulgent option, making an everyday beverage like coffee more of a luxury experience.

Grapefruit juice is also increasing on menus, most often appearing in mocktails, including alcohol-free spritzes, brambles and palomas. This reflects a greater industry trend of consumers seeking out low- or no-alcohol options.

Source: Technomic Ignite Menu data, Q4 2022-Q4 2023